Hi, I was just wondering if anyone had any experience using fenugreek to increase milk supply? I am currently BF Lottie who is 14 weeks today but feel I always struggle late afternoon early evening as don't seem to be able to fill her. Currently she is getting a formula feed at this time but I would really like to go back to full time BF. I am eating well but find it impossible to sit and do nothing very often. Her weight gain is hanging on in there but she is between small already so has no space to dip which makes be feel continually under pressure. Any ideas greatly appreciated! Becky

I felt the same way about BF my little man in the early days, but his weight gain was higher than bottlefed babies, so there was nothing to worry about there. If you are concerned, take a look at your diet and make some adjustments if you need to. Make sure your drinking enough fluids and are eating at least 2500 calories a day. BF works on a demand and supply basis so the more you feed the more you'll be able to supply, therefore, BF on demand, even if she's only suckling for a short time, works best. I've never used fenugreek in that way before, but logically, I can't see how it will make any difference, plus the stuff has a very long and lingering smell! Last time I used it to cook a curry, the smell lasted for over a week afterwards!

I've known a few people that have used it, and heard some mixed reports - in most cases it has increased milk supply to required amount and had no side effects, however in some cases it can enlarge the breasts to a point of causing positioning complications, and it can also cause issues with periods, migraine and asmatha. Also known side effects can lower blood preasure, and its related to the peanut family so a no go if you have nut allergies!

If none of the above are an issue then its possibly worth consideration, but I would wait and see how she goes first hun - her weight gain when we spoke last was really good. Have you had her weighed since?

The other thing about the afternoon/early evening time is that this is when they naturally cluster feed so constant on/off feeding and being a little unsettled can be totally normal, its there way of trying to fill up in order to prepare for the nights sleep.

Ive never heard of it, and have never heard of anybody using it to increase their milk supply either.When I B/F Lewis I found that If I didnt eat the right foods or drink much milk, then my boobs didnt seem as full the next day. If I did eat properly and drink plenty of milk then they did (Bit strange really lol).I also took a supplement called Nutritous Breast Milk, and that contained all the essential vitamins that me and Lewis needed, plus a capsule of Omega 3 a day which is supposed to be really good too.I bought them from boots, so there easy to get hold of and If you sign up as a member of boots parenting club you often get money off vouchers towards them lol